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Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The Others...Unadilla.

I'm not going to start this week's "The Others" with a traditional intro. First things first. Round 10 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Nationals showed the true colors of motocross. From Team USA being announced for Motocross Des Nations with Jason Anderson, Cooper Webb and Alex Martin. The BTO Sports rig catching fire Friday night and seeing Factory KTM, Troy Lee Designs KTM and Rockstar Husqvarna along with a few random industry guys pull together to get the team on the line Saturday morning. That moment when Jessy Nelson was laying under his bike, badly injured and privateer Cody Williams stopped to help move Jessy's bike. As simple as when the day ended and storms rolled in, teams and riders working together in the rain to pack rigs. This weekend showed the true side of motocross. Motocross is a family.

Photo: Kyle Pesci

Severe weather would roll through the New York hills Friday night. Track conditions would be tricky when practice time came on race day. However the Unadilla workers and the moto gods gave us an amazing day of racing. Sunshine and temps in the 100's made the track difficult for different reasons, as many riders struggled with the sudden extreme humidity. I spoke with privateers Noah McConahy and Kevin Rookstool who were both experiencing headaches and dizziness. Both would pull out of the second motos.

The 250 class continues to be anyone's game from moto to moto yet Star Yamaha rider Cooper Webb has begun to run away with the championship. Joey Savatgy has struggled since round four to put together two motos. He'd finish 2nd in moto one but fail to score a point in moto two. Austin Forkner pulled the holeshot and looked strong at the beginning of moto one but a restart wasn't as kind and he'd come around on lap one mid pack. 7-2 would put him 3rd overall on the day. Aaron Plessinger was impressive all day. He never had a great start but would charge to 3rd in both motos. Good enough for 2nd overall. Speaking of solid days, Bradley Taft made his pro debut. Just graduating from Loretta Lynn's he was thrown in the mix and impressed me. He struggled early in moto one but charged the entire race. Taft would then come out in moto two and finish a very respectable 12th. Welcome to the show number 296.

The 450 class...Ken Roczen.

That's it, enough said. The 450 class is Ken Roczen's. He had huge leads in the opening laps of both motos and looked in control at all times. RedBull KTM rider Marvin Musquin looked determined and had great speed. He'd go 3-2 for 2nd overall. Eli Tomac might be the most fun guy to watch on the track. His style and charge is unreal although it seems he is still searching to get his Kawasaki set up to his liking. Eli would host a packed team meeting every time he got off the bike. His 2-3 moto swap with Musquin left him 3rd on the day.

Rider: Austin Howell | Photo: Kyle Pesci

Our friends over at the Traders Kawasaki team had a good day with all their riders making the show. It'd be Anthony Rodriguez moving to the 450 class this week and making his mark. A-Rod would go 14-12 for 12th overall. Other privateers finding themselves inside the 450 class top 20 of each moto would be: John Short(20-17), Hayden Mellross(18-16), and Austin Howell(15-18). Scoring points in one moto: Matt Babbitt, Dustin Pipes, Jerry Robin, Noah McConahy and Zack Williams. In the 250 class Marshal Weltin would be the only privateer in the top 20 of both motos. He'd go 18-14 for 17th overall. Tony Archer, Vann Martin, Henry Miller, Nick Gaines and Bradley Taft would score points in one moto.

Rider: Marshal Weltin | Photo: Kyle Pesci

Jessy Nelson's injuries aren't completely clear yet and we are wishing him a speedy recovery. One thing we do know is the 677 machine of Cody Williams is one bad dude. After an impressive 22nd in moto one, he'd look to score points in moto two but something more important was in the cards for Cody. Mid moto he'd stop to help a fellow racer in need. Fans, please find Cody I the pits of these final rounds and give him a high five and a thank you. #cheerprivateer for the 677.

Next up the series heads to Budds Creek in Maryland and with just two rounds left I expect to see some riders lay it all out to make a statement and hoping to open some eyes for the 2017 season.

-Kyle Pesci

"The Others" is brought to you by FXR Racing. Bringing superior moto gear to North America since 1996 and supporting the core of the sport, privateers. Support those who support us. Follow @fxrmoto on Instagram and visit www.fxrracing.com/Moto.html

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Quick Info

Moto has been my life since I was about 5 years old. I've been working in the retail end of MX for about 15 years now and have been lucky enough to work for MxRider Magazine as well as work on projects with Nitro Circus, Nuclear Cowboyz, AMA, FELD, MX Sports and more. Brother of a privateer.